Types of lozenges

Written by china zmuida| 13/05/2017

Lozenges can provide relief for a variety of symptoms. (cough lozengers image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com)

Lozenges are medicated tablets that are designed to slowly dissolve in your mouth. Usually, lozenges help to ease throat pain or bouts of coughing. There are, however, a variety of other types of lozenges that are used for other purposes.

Anti-fungal Lozenges

Oral lozenges, such as clotrimazole and nystatin, are used to treat fungal infections. Clotrimazole lozenges treat thrush, as indicated by the Mayo Clinic website. Clotrimazole and nystatin lozenges are held in the mouth to dissolve, while saliva is swallowed. This helps to treat the interior of the mouth.

Nicotine Lozenges

Nicotine lozenges, such as Nicotrol and Nicoderm CQ, help with quitting. (nicotine image by danimages from Fotolia.com)

Nicotine lozenges are used as a method to quit smoking. The lozenges release nicotine into your bloodstream when you suck on the lozenge, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nicotine lozenges are intended to be used as often as necessary, until the craving to smoke ceases.

Zinc Lozenges

Zinc is used as an antioxidant to help your body fight infections. When contained in lozenges, zinc is thought to help reduce the duration of colds and symptoms. Yet, the Mayo Clinic notes that there are conflicting studies on whether those zinc claims are accurate.

Throat/ Cough Lozenges

Sore throat lozenges contain an anesthetic, such as benzocaine, to soothe your throat. The anesthetic works by numbing the affected area to provide temporary relief. Some throat lozenges also might contain an antibiotic to treat diseases of the throat, including strep throat. Cough lozenges, which suppress coughing, can contain ingredients, such as menthol or eucalyptus.

Erectile Dysfunction Lozenges

According to the New Zealand Men's Clinic, lozenges are available to treat erectile dysfunction. The lozenges are administered up to 30 minutes before intercourse. Erectile dysfunction lozenges have less side effects than tablet forms.

Morning Sickness Lozenges

Prenatal lozenges contain Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps to relieve nausea and vomiting symptoms. The use of prenatal lozenges should be taken as directed by your physician, since high doses of B6 during pregnancy can cause side effects in your newborn.